Rich in Faith (Richness in Faith, Book 3) (18 page)

MESMERIZED

THE NEXT COUPLE of days go by without conversing with Court except for the polite hellos and goodbyes. His job offer lingers like a storm cloud between us.

A storm cloud named Justice.

The girls are asleep and I’m in Court’s office making a step-by-step list to start the process of finding someone to homeschool Team Twin, but I find it hard to concentrate on that task.

I understand Court’s hesitancy about bringing Jared’s bad deeds to light, but to think that he might go out in the world and do this all over again doesn’t sit well with me.

Neither does Court’s attitude of as long as it isn’t him, he’s not going to worry about it.

Court believes Jared wouldn’t do this to anyone else. That he probably felt like he was borrowing the money, and had visions of replacing it before anyone found out.

The bottom line is that it’s Court’s money and he can choose to ignore this if he wants to.

His interest now is what Jared needed the money for. He’s afraid his friend is in some kind of trouble.

Court is more heroic than I ever would be.

“Are you still mad at me?”

I don’t look up, as I know my expression will answer his question. My nonresponse will probably answer it as well.

“There are things you don’t understand.”

His voice cuts deep, opening a part of my heart to hear what he has to say. “Then help me understand, because I’m having a hard time.”

He sits next to me on the loveseat. His shirt is wrinkled, his eyes tired-looking. This situation is taking its toll on Court.

“When we were kids, Jared always had one foot in juvey. My family and I tried to steer him away from his craziness, but he always went back. Something always drew him to the other side of the law. I lost count of how many times I rescued him out of one situation after another.”

“Why and how did you remain friends? Didn’t you get tired of his ways?”

“At times. But Jared was the only real friend I had. He didn’t want me as his friend for what I could do for him. He couldn’t care less. At least that’s how I perceived it back then.”

“That contrasts what we uncovered with the checks. He took from you.”

“And as weird as this sounds, it’s not his character. That’s why I’m having a hard time with it. If he did take the money I’m sure his intent is to pay it back.”

“But how much more damage would he cause before he paid it back? That’s a lot of money, Court. A lot. Most people couldn’t reimburse that amount unless they win the lottery or something.”

“If I could find out why he needed the money I know everything would fall into place. Motivation, reason.”

He hasn’t mentioned me taking over the job since that day in the park. But we haven’t talked much either since that day, so it still might be in his mind. “If I take the position from him, he wouldn’t have the chance to pay you back.”

“I never said he would pay it back. I said he would have visions of paying it back.”

We could go around this rose bush forever. “So, what’s the plan? Do you even have a plan?”

“I do.”

“I’m listening.”

“We are leaving in a week for Daytona. Jared will go with us. He always loved the track. While we’re there, I’m going to offer him a job with the team. A job that doesn’t have anything to do with finances. I’ll work him into the R&D, research and development part of the team. He is good with numbers, and we could use his expertise in that field.”

I shake my head. “You are a better man than I am. This is crazy, you know.”

“I look out for my friends. Loyalty means a lot to me.”

“Even when they aren’t loyal to you.”

“Jared is loyal. He’s misguided at times, but he’s loyal.”

At least I know one thing. If I did take the job
,
I probably never would be fired.

WE ARRIVE IN Daytona hot, tired and ready to be out of the car. Team Twin doesn’t travel well unless they’re in an airplane
,
I guess.

Jared follows us
,
and he’s bringing a guest.

A woman.

That woman he met at church.

Her name is Stace and she appears quite taken with Jared. I wonder how taken she’ll be when she finds out he’s going to be a traveling kind of guy.

I admit I was surprised when Court told me she was coming
,
and I was even more surprised when he said I’d be sharing the motor home with her. So, me, Stace and Team Twin will stay in Treyhune motor home number one, and Court and Jared will be in Treyhune motor home number two.

I have no idea how many motor homes there are.

I also want to warn her away from Jared, and I told Court as much when he told me about her joining us.

“Let nature run its course. Jared doesn’t commit. If you want to warn her about anything, let it be that. But she’ll figure it out soon enough.”

We aren’t at the track ten minutes, and we are draped with enough credentials to weigh down a two-hundred-pound man. I immediately locate a couple of safety pins and pin Team Twin’s credentials to their shirts, knowing otherwise they will lose them.

Not that they need credentials. Everybody knows them and loves them.

I have purposely not called my parents these last few days. The less they know the better. And since they don’t have all these credentials, I’m not worried about running into them. Trust me, I’m not leaving the immediate area.

The girls and I hang back as reporters talk to Court. Jared and Stace stay in the spotlight. To say I’m having a hard time being around Jared is an understatement.

I see him in a new light now. And it’s not a flattering one.

Court is still cordial with him and even laughs with him. How does he do that?

I just want to blurt out “I know what you’ve done and I’m not as forgiving as your friend.” Looking Jared in the eye is impossible now. I’m afraid I’ll reveal my anger at the situation.

Having not conversed with Stace much yet, I’m not sure how I’ll act toward her.

The motor home is complete luxury reminding me of the plane. Soft leather seats, fancy fixtures, granite counter tops. Bristol and Darling come in with me, and we bring in our suitcases.

We unpack our bags in the air-conditioned motor home.

“I want to stay in here,” Bristol says. “It feels good. It’s not so hot.”

“You might not be as hot outside if you let me do something with that hair.” The words come out before I can stop them.

But I don’t regret them.

“I don’t want you to do anything with my hair.”

“Me either,” Darling adds as they join forces together on the plush couch.

“I haven’t touched your hair, and I’m not going to now. But don’t you think your cousins’ hair looks nice?”

“We’re not them,” Darling says, a pout clearly on her face.

“Yeah, we’re us.” Bristol crosses her arms in a defiant move.

A blast of heat comes in as the door opens. Stace walks in, dragging a suitcase behind her.

“Hi.” She looks like the heat hasn’t bothered her at all.

“Hi. It’s tight quarters in here, but there’s room in the back for you to put your bag.”

I sit at the table so she can pass by without running into me. She returns immediately and joins Bristol and Darling on the couch. “Do you mind if I sit here?” she asks as she sits.

“No.” Team Twin stares her down, but it doesn’t seem to bother her.

“You girls are pretty. I love your hair.”

“Ha,” Bristol sits up for a moment and sticks her tongue out at me. “Told you so.”

“Wow,” Stace says. “That’s not nice.”

“It’s a lost battle. Their hair, not the tongue. That I can tame.”

“Shelby’s always on us about our hair.” Bristol flops against the back of the couch.

“She should be,” Stace says. “It’s a mess.”

Now the twins not only have a confused look about them, but I’m sure I do too.

“You just said you liked our hair,” Bristol challenges.

“I do like it,” Stace says. “I like the color. I like that it’s long, and I’m sure it’s pretty when it’s brushed out.”

“Nobody knows what it looks like when it’s brushed out.” I feel a kinship with this girl who has the same heart I do about the girls’ hair.

“Maybe we’ll play beauty shop later.” Stace is very matter-of-fact in her tone. Like it’s going to happen.

Team Twin slinks further away from Stace to the total opposite end of the couch. “Are you a beauty shop person?” Darling asks.

“No. I own a nail salon.”

“Oh.” They perk up at this knowledge. So do I. A business owner. Just who Jared needs to latch onto. Somebody else whose money he can take.

I smile like I haven’t had those thoughts, wishing I could adopt Court’s attitude about the situation.

Court didn’t tell me when the big showdown was going to happen with Jared, but I can’t imagine Court waiting until Saturday, race day.

“Do you like to travel?” I ask Stace. Maybe I can get a feel if she’ll stick around after the big promotion. Demotion. Promotion. Whatever it is.

“I love to travel. My half sister lives in Peru, and I go there as often as I can. I’ve also taken my mother on a couple of trips in the past year.”

That’s going to be good news for Jared. Maybe he can make traveling around to tracks sound as exciting as Peru. Although, maybe he’ll have a home base and not have to travel around so much.

I’ll have to ask Court.

“Are you two okay?” Stace asks Team Twin.

“They’re fine,” I answer. “They’re just making sure you’re not going to whip out a brush.”

Stace waves her palm in the air. “No chance. You wouldn’t catch me tackling that mess. Not in a million years.”

She proceeds to search through her purse, and I’m reminded again how pretty she is. She’s all matching, too, with her pretty blue sundress, color-coordinated sandals and handbag. Her nails even compliment her outfit.

I wonder if she gives how-to-coordinate lessons.

Not that I have the items to coordinate. I’d have to do a lot of shopping first. Which I have no time, money or inclination to do.

The door to the RV opens. Court and Jared come in. Stace immediately looks up from her search mission and ditches her purse. Her eyes light up as she sees Jared and my heart lurches.

Not fair.

She looks as mesmerized by him as I am by Court.

I have to figure out how to subtly warn her away from Jared.

Even though I don’t know her, I’m sure she deserves better than a good-looking embezzler.

Anyone would.

MODESTY

THE GUYS BRING an air of excitement with them. The atmosphere at the track is one like I’ve never experienced. You can’t help but be taken in by all the activity and people.

Court’s gaze catches mine, but he keeps his distance. “I’m sure you ladies are hungry. I wanted to let you know we are having food delivered in. It will be here within the hour.”

“Good, I’m hungry,” Bristol says.

“Jared and I are headed to the garage,” Court says.

“Team meeting,” Jared jokes.

Court’s expression isn’t saying joke, and I wonder if he’s going to talk to Jared now. Tonight.

Maybe so. Maybe he wants the talk out of the way, so it won’t be a distraction to the real reason he’s here.

They leave and when the food arrives a short time later, I find myself not very hungry. I’m worried about how it’s going with Court and Jared.

The girls are shoving down the food like they’ve never eaten before, while Stace doesn’t eat much at all.

I also received a text from my mom saying they’ve arrived at the track. I text back a smiley face and leave it at that.

Good thing her phone doesn’t tell her that she’s probably less than a mile from me.

The urge to see my parents is strong, but not strong enough to deal with that whole situation here. We already have too much drama going on.

Not that Court and I are anything but a few kisses. Oh, and if he has his way, his next CFO. That’s one job offer I won’t be accepting.

But why complicate matters now?

As we are cleaning up the leftovers, the door opens and Jared walks in. I can tell right away everything has changed. Disappointment is written all over his face, and I try to control my tongue.

“Stace,” he says in a calm tone, “we’re heading out. We’ll leave as soon as you gather your things and get to the car.”

“What? We just arrived?”

He smiles and I know in that instant she’ll go along with whatever he says. Some men have that power, and Jared James is one of them. “I’ll explain in the car.”

“You’re leaving, Uncle Jared?” Bristol asks.

“I am. Come give Uncle Jared a bye hug.”

Team Twin jumps up as Stace heads to the back of the RV. Good thing she didn’t unpack anything.

The twins squeal with laughter as Jared hugs them bye and tickles them at the same time. Right now, I’m so conflicted. How can this man be so good, yet so bad?

Stace walks back to the front area of the RV and Jared takes her bag.

“Bye, everyone,” she says as she walks down the steps out of the RV.

“Bye,” I say.

Team Twin remains silent. Probably still mad about her comments regarding their hair.

Jared holds the door open with his free hand and starts walking down the steps. Before he takes the last one, he turns and looks at me. “I hope you enjoy the job, Shelby.”

No sarcasm, no anger.

No emotion at all which is scarier than the other scenarios.

“What job?” Bristol asks as the door shuts. “Aren’t you going to be our nanny anymore?”

I have no answer for these children as I have no idea what Court has told Jared.

AS DARKNESS FALLS, so does a soft rain. A dreaded complication during race weekend. Team Twin has fallen asleep on the couch, and I’ve settled in one of the easy chairs waiting on Court.

He still hasn’t returned.

But I’m ready for him when he does.

A part of me wants to quit this whole gig, text my parents, and stay with them for a couple of days.

This is a crazy world of friends betraying friends, friends not facing facts and guilty people making the innocent feel guilty.

And I thought there was drama in the Dale situation.

That pales in comparison to what has taken place in the Treyhune household over the last few days.

And in the Treyhune RV as well.

My heart not only aches for Court, but it aches for Jared in a weird way. It aches for the fact that he felt like he had a right to do what he did. It’s the only way to explain how he acted when he showed up here hours ago. Honestly, he looked like the victim.

Not the criminal.

I wonder if he took the job Court offered. Or maybe he just said see you later and left.

Everything.

All those years of friendship.

He should have thought of that before writing checks to himself.

I’m almost lulled to sleep by the tapping of the rain on the RV, so when Court enters, it’s anticlimactic from how I envisioned it.

I pictured him bursting in the door going on and on about Jared’s refusal of his job offer, or whatever it was that went down between the two of them.

When I fully open my eyes, it’s to see him, his hair slightly dampened by the rain, settling into the chair across from mine.

“How’re things?” he asks, running his hand through his hair.

“Things are things.” I’m not sure what he expects me to say.

“Everybody asleep?” he asks, staring at the couch.

“They are,” I say feeling strange answering the obvious.

“Is Stace back in one of the bedrooms?”

His attention now focused on me, I look at him. “Stace left. With Jared. Hours ago.”

His eyes widen and his expression turns a little crazed. “They left? Why didn’t you call me?”

“I thought you knew.”

“How would I know?”

“How would I know you didn’t know? And did you tell him I was taking his job?”

One of the twins starts to stir and he motions me to the back of the RV. We end up in the bedroom at the back, sitting on the bed.

“Tell me what happened.” Court takes my hands in his as he speaks.

I want to jerk them out because I’m not sure what went down, but I find the feel of his touch comforting. I explain to him what happened when Jared came to the RV earlier.

“I didn’t tell him you would be taking the job. He assumed I was taking the job from him and giving it to you.”

“Why would he assume that? I’ve never told him my background. As far as he knows, I’m just a nanny.”

“He told me he Googled you when he was interested in going out with you and found out you used to work as a CFO for an engineering company. He always wondered why you took a job as a nanny.”

“Oh. Well, that’s a lot of assuming, isn’t it? Did you let him go? Transfer him? Ask him about the checks at all?”

“I told him I thought the track was the place for him. That I needed a guy in the shop working with the crew chiefs. It’s kind of embarrassing what went down next.”

“I promise I won’t laugh at your embarrassment.”

“He said he knew I was falling for you and would do anything to keep you here in Florida. Even ditch my best friend.”

“Are you serious? He said that?”

“He did. And I tried to convince him he was wrong, but I didn’t do a very good job of it.”

“Let me get this straight. He steals from you, and you offer him a job with less access to the cash, and he accuses you of being in love with your nanny. I don’t follow the train of thought at all.”

“I couldn’t convince him I’m not in love with you because I am.”

If I thought my burden was heavy a little while ago, I was wrong. How can he be in love with me? “I don’t think you are in love with me. I think you are curious about me, or taken with the fact that Team Twin likes me. But I don’t think you’re in love with me.”

“You’re the first person who’s made me feel anything since before MaryLeigh died.”

“And that’s what you’re in love with. That fact.”

“No. I’m in love with Shelby. The woman who I catch gazing at me when she thinks I’m not looking. The woman whose laugh I can’t wait to hear, so I ditch my job and come home early. The woman who let’s my kids be who they are out of a respect for me and my crazy ways that need to be changed. That’s who I’m in love with.”

“Court—”

“Say it, Shelby. Say you love me.”

I don’t understand this. I don’t understand him. I don’t understand how a heart can melt this fast with an understanding that even if it doesn’t understand much, it can’t refute truth. “I love you.”

The words are out, in the air for him to hear. For him to process. For him to embrace.

His lips cover mine and we fall onto the bed like it’s the most natural thing ever. Within seconds we are side by side, kissing, touching. I run my hands down his arms as his hands delicately caress the hair around my face. He leans up on one elbow, his gaze never leaving me.

“This thing with Jared,” he starts, “will be easier to handle with you by my side.”

“He already thinks I’m by your side if you know what I mean. He thinks I stole his job.”

“When we get back we’re going to confront him about the checks. I know that’s the right thing to do. We’ll lay it all out and see what he has to say.”

“As much as I want justice to prevail, I find it hard to focus on that while lying in a bed with you. I’d rather be kissing you.”

He leans over, capturing my lips in his. His tongue gently traces my lips, and I find myself not being able to kiss him deeply enough. Like I’m thirsting and he’s the fountain.

He sits up and grabs the bottom of my shirt. My mind travels back years to that first night with Paul.

But this is different.

Very different, I reason as Court starts to push my shirt up.

He said he loved me.

So did Paul.

“No.”

He quickly lets go. “I’m sorry. I thought…”

I place my finger on his lips. “I thought I was ready for this, but I’m not.”

“It’s okay,” he says. He runs his hand through his hair. “I don’t know what I’m thinking. The girls are out there. All this with Jared. I’m not thinking straight, obviously.”

I’m not sure from where this sense of modesty has come, I just know it’s undeniable. “I’m to blame, too. I shouldn’t have let it go this far. We’ve just said the words ‘I love you.’ Can we explore what those words really mean in our lives before we cross lines that can never be uncrossed?”

“There will never be any going back with us, Shelby. Only going forward. But I’m willing to wait however long it takes for that to happen.”

The space is cramped, but he scoots off the bed with ease. He leans over, kissing me thoroughly. “I do love you, Shelby,” he says as he exits the room.

My face heats thinking about the route we were headed.

The route that I’ve taken before with men that has led to only one thing.

Disaster.

Nothing ever lasting, obviously.

No, if that’s going to happen with Court, I’m making sure he’s going to be forever.

And right now, even though we’ve spoken those three words, I’m not convinced forever is in our future.

There’s still too much he doesn’t know about me.